Date

3-10-2026

Department

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in History (PhD)

Chair

Michael Griggs

Keywords

NASCAR, motorsport, sport, car, racing, automobile, stock car, South

Disciplines

History

Abstract

NASCAR, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, experienced a rapid rise in popularity during the 1990s and early 2000s. Although the sport originated in the postwar southeastern United States and initially drew a largely regional fan base, by the late-1990s it enjoyed a national following and expanded its race schedule across the country. During this period, NASCAR underwent significant changes that affected nearly every aspect of the sport, including its drivers, manufacturers, and the format determining the season champion. Led by the France family, the sport’s owners since its inception in 1948, the industry pursued these changes in an effort to grow the sport and make racing both safer and more entertaining. While stakeholders held differing views on the sport’s direction, many fans strongly resisted these changes. Ultimately, the transformations alienated a significant portion of NASCAR’s traditional fan base and contributed to a sustained decline in popularity beginning in the mid-2000s.

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